S8 Build, Eight String Saber

[Superwoodle]

Thanks Everyone!

Originally Posted by flo

Thumbs up for this project! Looking really good so far, and the Saber is my favorite Ibby

Really curious how the bamboo neck turns out!

If your guitar should suffer from neck-dive you can always add some weight to the body, for example increase the electronics cavity and put some steel blocks into it (heavy metal ftw!), or make an extra cavity for it. The further away form the neck, the more effective.
I haven't got experience with aluminium trussrods, but they should decrease the mass of your neck.

I'm probably going to make a truss rod like the one here, Carbon-Glass Truss Rod | Cycfi Research
if not, then I'll use titanium.

Originally Posted by capone1

It sure did very nice!

Talk to Todd at tk. He's got your Sperzel poison.

Awesome defiantly getting them from there. Too bad the the particular model is out of stock.



It fits!

[ryantheyetti]

the bamboo neck aspect of this is of huge interest to me

[flo]

Carbon-Glass Truss Rod | Cycfi Research

Cool link, thanks! Yeah it sounds indeed very promising, I'll have to try and make a carbon fibre trussrod, too

Nice progress on the headstock!
If bamboo really is suitable for guitar building (wich I really hope), then it is probably the most environmentally friendly material for it. You're doing some relevant research here

[theo]

that looks rad!

[djowel]

Hi! I got here from link-backs to my site (Cycfi Alpha | Cycfi Research). I've been researching into the use of alternative materials for guitar building. The results are pretty amazing. CF and Bamboo complement each other's tone. I'm currently doing an audio demo of the thingy.

Check out the site for more information. I tried to be as extensive as I can with my research.

Here's a pic of the final Carbon Fiber-Bamboo Guitar prototype:

[djowel]

Originally Posted by flo

Carbon-Glass Truss Rod | Cycfi Research

Cool link, thanks! Yeah it sounds indeed very promising, I'll have to try and make a carbon fibre trussrod, too

Nice progress on the headstock!
If bamboo really is suitable for guitar building (wich I really hope), then it is probably the most environmentally friendly material for it. You're doing some relevant research here

Thanks! Check out the rest of the site! :-) I've been into alternative materials research for guitar for a couple of years now. I can say this: Bamboo *IS* indeed a suitable "tonewood". Just be careful with the inherent resonance of the material you are using. Each bamboo species has its own unique tone and not all sound good.

Check out the rest of the articles, if you will: Cycfi Alpha | Cycfi Research

[djowel]

Originally Posted by Superwoodle

But I’m not quite sure how this method will work and how the alignment of the bamboo will cope with the stress from the strings. If someone can enlighten me whether it would be stronger to do a scarf joint or if it wouldn’t matter.

I scarfed mine to align the grains in the correct direction:



I think it matters, but I haven't tried it the other way, so I am not entirely sure. Bamboo flexes in the direction of its grains and it will not flex as much if not scarfed. I'm guessing the resonance and sustain will be affected, but again, I am not sure.

(just edited my reply) I see now that you decided to scarf the neck. Good! :-)

From:Bamboo Preparation (part 2) | Cycfi Research

[Superwoodle]

Originally Posted by djowel

Hi! I got here from link-backs to my site (Cycfi Alpha | Cycfi Research). I've been researching into the use of alternative materials for guitar building. The results are pretty amazing. CF and Bamboo complement each other's tone. I'm currently doing an audio demo of the thingy.

Check out the site for more information. I tried to be as extensive as I can with my research.

Here's a pic of the final Carbon Fiber-Bamboo Guitar prototype:

Wow thanks for the info. You did inspire me with your truss rod design. How efficient does it function compared to a regular truss rod?

[djowel]

Originally Posted by Superwoodle

Bamboo cuts pretty smooth, it’s only a little harder than maple.
Decided on making a Scarf Joint.

Depends on the species. The one you are using is most probably Moso (typically used for flooring). Interestingly, the Moso bamboo I tried was (according to my tests) a bit softer than hard maple. Another factor is the age of the culms. The older, the harder.

In my prototype, I specifically chose the hardest species available.

See:Bamboo Preparation (part 1) | Cycfi Research

However, I am having second thoughts because my choice was TOO hard to machine! Router bits easily dull! Next time, I'll investigate manufactured bamboo planks again. Carbon Fiber over-compensates for overall stiffness anyway.

[djowel]

Originally Posted by Superwoodle

Wow thanks for the info. You did inspire me with your truss rod design. How efficient does it function compared to a regular truss rod?

It's amazing! I'll have a follow up article on that where I will show the rod easily holding 100kgs (220 lbs) without any signs of fatigue. I'm sure it can do a lot better than that, but I'm not sure I have the courage to test it until failure :-) I probably should, but I need a good safety test harness.

For reference, a 6-string guitar pulls 40~50Kgs (~110 lbs).

[Superwoodle]

Much to come in the next weeks...

[Alberto7]

^ There's a penny left! Must use all resources.

[Superwoodle]

I got boxz.


(box not shown)





I have a small problem though...

WTF size is that?? 42XL never seen that before. I'll have to order it from sears or something...
Anyway, I go to work on carbon truss rod now.

[flo]

Originally Posted by Superwoodle

Anyway, I go to work on the carbon truss rod next.

I'm looking forward for that, I'm very curious

[Durero]

Very cool build!


Regarding bamboo, Stick Enterprises has been making instruments from it for a while now.

[iRaiseTheDead]

mmmm lookin' soo good

[jayarpeggios]

This should be cool.. Can I ask what program you are doing your design in? I have been using sketchup for a few days you can see it on my thread here. Anyways can't wait to see how the S shaped body holds up to an 8 string neck!

[Superwoodle]

School is out and summer is awesome.
Marked the fret slots.



Started making a jig.


Jig done!




Cuts straight.

Oops.



Slots cut!


Took several hours, only a couple listens of AAL’s album and Racecar.

[AxeHappy]

That's ....ing genius! I'm totally stealing it.

[Superwoodle]

Making progress!


Truss rod parts done.


Started working on the bridges.

More to come tomorrow...

[Superwoodle]

It's tomorrow!

Started the saddles, and bridges finished, ready for tumbling and anodizing.




Too bad I'm not making a 10 String... oh well hehe

[Michael T]

Awesome build, I'm a huge saber fan, cannot wait to see the body start to take shape.
Keep up the awesome work.

[BlackMastodon]

Mad props to you for making the hardware!

[flo]

Wow, the hardware looks killer!

Can't wait to see the trussrod finished!

[CD1221]

bloody hell! solid work there. kudos to you, sir. you are awesome!